Latham High School Bunnies

Latham High School Building

Submitted by Dennis Downey - 2008

Latham HS Bldg - Now An Apartment Complex (2008)

Courtesy of Dennis Downey

The History of Latham High School

Latham (population 371) is located in central Illinois in the southeastern corner of Logan County. The town is about 10 miles northwest of Decatur on Illinois Route 121. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad cuts through the middle of Latham. The town was platted in 1871 and officially incorporated in 1884. It was named after Civil War Colonel Latham.

The history of the school system in Latham is in need of research. It is probable that a high school was established in Latham by the late 1800's. Latham High School served the community for at least five decades. We believe that it was in the mid-1950's that the towns of Latham and its neighbor to the southeast, Warrensburg, agreed to consolidate their educational efforts. The consolidation took place after the 1949-50 school year. The effort resulted in the creation of the Warrensburg-Latham School District.

Latham HS Bldg Inscription "LCHS"

Submitted By Dennis Downey

The high school for the new district was located in Warrensburg. A grade school was located in Latham. The fate of the original Latham High School building is is a good one. The building is still in use today as an apartment building.

Latham High School Quick Facts

Year opened: late 1800's

Year closed: 1950

Consolidated to: Warrensburg-Latham School District

Latham HS team nickname: the "Rabbits"

Latham HS team colors: Blue & White

School Fight Song: unavailable

Athletics

Latham High School definitely offered boys basketball (www.ihsa.org). It is probable that the boys competed in baseball and track as well. School team nickname, school colors, fight song, team records, and coaches' names are all items we are seeking.

Boys' Basketball

The boys' basketball team won the only IHSA Tournament hardware for the Latham High School athletic program. A total of THREE District titles were earned by the LHS boys. One of these came when winning the District title was equal to winning a Regional (1920's). Unfortunately, the team records of these and other great Latham HS teams are currently unavailable.

1927-28 District Champions

                      Logan County Tourney Runners-Up
1935-36         District Champions
1939-40         District Champions

Need Your Help

We are hopeful an area "buff" will fill in the open areas regarding the history and accomplishments of Latham High School. If you have any information you can offer please complete a Guest Commentary Form. We would really like to share a photo of the old school building and tell more about the students of the Latham High School historic past. You can also e-mail us photos at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, IL 60631